Warning: Contains spoilers for One-Punch Man chapter #201. The One-Punch Man franchise is poised for unprecedented growth heading into 2025, with significant developments anticipated for both its anime and manga adaptations. After years of dormancy, the long-awaited third season of the anime is set to premiere this fall. While initial promotional materials have elicited mixed reactions from fans, the return of the series is nevertheless an exciting prospect.
Simultaneously, the manga continues to generate buzz, especially concerning the Ninja arc. With numerous hiatuses and renowned illustrator Yusuke Murata reworking various chapters, this arc has extended for nearly two years, making it a contentious topic even among the most dedicated fans. Fortunately, the Ninja arc is on the verge of conclusion just in time for the anime’s comeback, and fan reactions indicate that the resolution may ultimately prove satisfying.
Why One-Punch Man’s Ninja Arc Is So Controversial With Fans
An Examination of the Ninja Arc’s Controversy
The controversy surrounding One-Punch Man‘s Ninja arc can be attributed to several factors. Running for nearly two years, this arc has been plagued by numerous hiatuses and redraws. While such pauses are not unusual in the series, the frequent redraws have frustrated readers who find themselves revisiting the same story with minimal changes. This slow progression has made the Ninja arc a point of contention among dedicated followers.
Moreover, the highlights of the arc’s execution have also contributed to its divisiveness. In the webcomic, the Ninja arc was a brief segment that primarily focused on character growth for Sonic and Flash. However, the manga adaptation sought to expand this narrative significantly, transforming the character of Empty Void from a comedic villain into a formidable threat associated with God. This expansion led to a narrative that felt bloated, heavily emphasizing grand battle sequences that some fans found excessive.
Critics have notably pointed to the overarching plot involving God as a key issue. While the deeper exploration of God has added layers to the storyline, it has also led to a scope that many deem unnecessarily repetitive. The Ninja arc exemplified this problem, as many of the encounters with Empty Void appeared derivative of earlier conflicts, particularly those involving Garou. Many fans felt that, rather than heightening the excitement, the focus on God made the plot less engaging, a sentiment even grand fight sequences could not mitigate.
How One-Punch Man Ended and Fixed Its Most Controversial Arc
Understanding the Resolution of the Ninja Arc
The conclusion of the Ninja arc in the One-Punch Man manga serves as a testament to how resolutions can address ongoing controversies. The manga saw a series of redraws in 2025 that reverted many elements back to their original webcomic form. The pivotal moment occurred with the release of chapter #201, where Saitama defeats Empty Void with a single punch, a stark departure from the previous portrayal of him as a significant threat.
This portrayal of Empty Void as more of a joke villain not only acknowledges the frustrations fans had with the narrative’s pacing but also aligns with the original comedic intent of the webcomic. This fitting conclusion embraces the humor of Saitama’s effortless victory over what was once a heavily built-up adversary, reinforcing a return to the franchise’s comedic roots and offering closure after an extended narrative arc.
One-Punch Man’s Manga vs. Webcomic Debate Has Never Been Bigger
Which Version of One-Punch Man Is Superior?
Since the manga’s adaptation of the Monster Association arc, fans have passionately debated the merits of the manga compared to the webcomic. While the manga boasts superior artistry and a deeper exploration of characters like God and Blast, many advocates of the webcomic point to its tighter pacing and more coherent storytelling. Particularly, the conclusion of the Garou battle has emerged as a significant area of contention, and this conversation is reignited by the manga’s recent adjustments to the Ninja arc, further questioning the superiority of each version.
One-Punch Man’s Latest Arc Proves It Has a Major Problem
The Major Issues Plaguing the One-Punch Man Manga
While no version of One-Punch Man is universally superior, it’s evident that the manga is grappling with significant challenges. The decision to revert to the webcomic’s framework for the Ninja arc demonstrates that the earlier approach—characterized by incessant escalation and an emphasis on God—was met with criticism, forcing a reevaluation. Fans have lamented for years that this escalation often detracts from the series’ original charm.
Moving forward, it is unlikely that the manga will revert to a direct adaptation style, especially given the significant narrative departures already established. However, the latest redraw suggests an awareness of the existing issues, indicating that future arcs may adopt a more measured approach to avoid the pitfalls witnessed in the Ninja arc. Though the specifics remain uncertain, if the Ninja arc’s evolution serves as a guide, we may witness an exciting resurgence in the quality of the One-Punch Man manga in years to come.